Ride Start/End - The new Start/Finish location is at Canal Park (2nd and L Streets SE) near Nationals Stadium and Navy Yard Metro.
We will begin check in at 5am. After signing your waiver you will receive a cue sheet, your ride number and goodie bag. You must SIGN-IN by 5:30am. Ride start time is at 6:00 am sharp. End time is obviously flexible but cut off times are posted for every check point in order to get all participants back safely before dark. Riding after dark is not permitted.
Route Terrain. The route is gently rolling to flat overall. There are some small hills and rolling terrain but there are no long climbs to speak of. The total elevation is about 8,900 feet for the 200 mile route, and about 5,500 feet for the 200 kilometer route, both with a good number of challenging rollers in the last 25 miles, so save those legs! The biggest “climb,” if you can call it that, is near the start as you roll out and over Pennsylvania Avenue to the city line.
For a full route overview read our preview »
Check points are spaced at about every 25 miles and lunch is at the mid point. More information on specific locations and what is provided on the check point page.
Remember this is a ride, not a race. Be safe and courteous and let your volunteers know your appreciation. A cue sheet will be provided for you when you sign in. While there are not many turns please take the time to look over the route online. This is an out and back route- turning around after lunch at about 100 miles. We will be riding on public roads and riders are expected to obey all traffic laws. While much of this traffic is high speed the majority of the route has large shoulders and much of it is marked as a bike lane.